IMO, it’s much harder if it’s not 10.5” or larger. The lack of a proper full-sized keyboard for the 9.7” models is a big impediment.
Basically the only non-Pro I would accept at this point for this purpose is the 10.5” Air.
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iPad Pro iPad Pro going all in at least for now
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Basically the only non-Pro I would accept at this point for this purpose is the 10.5” Air.
Generally, I agree with you, which is the reason I got the 10.5” Air. I am sure there are people with smaller hands that would not feel cramped on the 9.7” iPad. For example, school aged kids were a target market for the 9.7.
I have the following devices in general:
1. Personal laptop
2. Company laptop
3. Desktop machine at work
4. Personal iPad (regular 2018 iPad)
I could tell you that the iPad I have cannot replace my laptops (both personal and company wise). IMO some of the reasons are not related to the fact that I don't have iPad Pro. Decide yourself if you agree with me.
Without further ado here are the reasons:
1. Small screen. My company laptop might be 14 inch but I can and I do indeed hook up two external monitors to work with. This is OK when you have mouse support and you can switch between monitors. As it is, this is not possible with the iPad.
2. Ergonomics. Without a stand I get neck and back pain if I work too much on my iPad. The screen is too small for long hours work.
3. Typing. This is somewhat related to the screen size. I don't find the on screen keyboard good enough and the hardware one is rather small for fast typing which I tend to do.
4. Lack of proper multitasking
6. No easy option to print from said iPad. I would not by Apple printer to print when I have laptops that are compatible with all sort of printers.
7. Lack of proper file system. I constantly have issues with unresponsive Files app. That might be because of the RAM management and the fact that my iPad has just 2 GB. Nevertheless I can tell you that 2 GB are not enough for the type of user I am. I open multiple tabs, multiple browser windows, lots of apps and all of this causes constant reloading. I do not like to wait in reloading. I prefer the laptop as I can easily go back to the apps without waiting.
8. I use primarily Windows machines (both at work and at home) and I do not find that the iPad plays nice with them. As a result I use the iPad as a digital notebook to sketch and brainstorm. For everything else I prefer to use my laptops.
9. Sharing files between computer and iPad is PITA. iTunes for Windows is a mess, but as a whole I dislike the closed and restricted approach that Apple offers. It just demotivates me to even attempt something.
I would not use the iPad for editing photos for two reasons:
1. No easy way to import said photos
2. No support for batch processing of photos. I use DxO software that considers my lens and camera and offers quite efficient initial batch processing that I prefer over iPad's apps for photo editing.
1. Personal laptop
2. Company laptop
3. Desktop machine at work
4. Personal iPad (regular 2018 iPad)
I could tell you that the iPad I have cannot replace my laptops (both personal and company wise). IMO some of the reasons are not related to the fact that I don't have iPad Pro. Decide yourself if you agree with me.
Without further ado here are the reasons:
1. Small screen. My company laptop might be 14 inch but I can and I do indeed hook up two external monitors to work with. This is OK when you have mouse support and you can switch between monitors. As it is, this is not possible with the iPad.
2. Ergonomics. Without a stand I get neck and back pain if I work too much on my iPad. The screen is too small for long hours work.
3. Typing. This is somewhat related to the screen size. I don't find the on screen keyboard good enough and the hardware one is rather small for fast typing which I tend to do.
4. Lack of proper multitasking
- Multiple instances of the same app is something that I use regularly.
- Multi languages support - I often use different languages for the different apps I use. I cannot do this on an iPad
6. No easy option to print from said iPad. I would not by Apple printer to print when I have laptops that are compatible with all sort of printers.
7. Lack of proper file system. I constantly have issues with unresponsive Files app. That might be because of the RAM management and the fact that my iPad has just 2 GB. Nevertheless I can tell you that 2 GB are not enough for the type of user I am. I open multiple tabs, multiple browser windows, lots of apps and all of this causes constant reloading. I do not like to wait in reloading. I prefer the laptop as I can easily go back to the apps without waiting.
8. I use primarily Windows machines (both at work and at home) and I do not find that the iPad plays nice with them. As a result I use the iPad as a digital notebook to sketch and brainstorm. For everything else I prefer to use my laptops.
9. Sharing files between computer and iPad is PITA. iTunes for Windows is a mess, but as a whole I dislike the closed and restricted approach that Apple offers. It just demotivates me to even attempt something.
I would not use the iPad for editing photos for two reasons:
1. No easy way to import said photos
2. No support for batch processing of photos. I use DxO software that considers my lens and camera and offers quite efficient initial batch processing that I prefer over iPad's apps for photo editing.
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There is definitely a lot that I can do on the iPad, and I use it everyday for more than just casually browsing the web. In fact, I actually use my iPad for something I cannot easily do on my Mac. However, my Mac can do a lot that my iPad cannot do. I use them in unison.
If a person were to go ahead and go all in on iPad and completely abandon the computer, whether it be PC or Mac, I honestly believe that their use cases of the device would be quite sparse. More power to them if they can only just use a device limited by iOS.
If a person were to go ahead and go all in on iPad and completely abandon the computer, whether it be PC or Mac, I honestly believe that their use cases of the device would be quite sparse. More power to them if they can only just use a device limited by iOS.
I have it and it works fantastic but as you said only in Citrix.
we are not asking for much here just something basic that Android even has to this very day. If people don’t want to use it then don’t, but I think it should still be there for people to have the OPTION to use it or not.
I also find that I can do a lot on my iPad Pro that I can’t do on the Mac, drawing is obviously one of them but also hand written notes with the Apple Pencil. There are instances where I prefer to use the iPad to edit photos in Pixelmator Pro, BUT on the flip side I also like to edit photos on the Mac, the mouse gives finer points of control. I also like a decent keyboard to type on for long periods of time.
The problem at the moment is the keyboards on the MacBooks, not the fact that they have less travel, I don’t mind that, it’s the keyboard issues that appear to be happening. Apple has even apologised, there must be a problem somewhere. That is what’s led me to think about getting the 2018 iPad Pro and see if I can go all in, maybe I should try the smart folio keyboard out at the Apple store to know for sure.
Do you know if the mouse works if you use the Citrix web login for Citrix Workspace? I have to use the web login now, but then it loads a small file in the Citrix Workspace app to launch the VPN screen.I have it and it works fantastic but as you said only in Citrix.
I assume the mouse should still work since that X1 mouse is listed as compatible with both Citrix Receiver and Citrix Workspace.
The only thing I'm doing differently now is using the web-login first and then going to Workspace, rather than initiating the login from directly within Workspace.
One of the reasons I bought Apple Pencil is to use it with Affinity Photo. It's for more fine control with the UI than my finger can provide. I don't draw at all.
BTW, one thing I hate about my MacBook (or any Mac for that matter) is that we cannot download Netflix videos locally. So, if I am going somewhere that I can watch a video (even just in the background), I'd rather have my iPad Pro than my MacBook with me. If it weren't for this one thing, I'd carry my MacBook more often than I do now.
However, if I know I need to work in Office or in Citrix or in Pulse Secure, then I'll bring my MacBook.
I brought the Apple Pencil with my first iPad Pro and I’ve used it a lot. Drawing, hand written notes and photo editing. The Apple Pencil is a great tool.
I like to watch Netflix on my iPad Pro, the same for YouTube. Unless of course I want to view on a larger display, then I would use my iMac.
I do like writing on a MacBook, I loved using my 2011 MacBook Pro to write essays and my dissertation for university. It’s a shame my 2012 MacBook Pro died, otherwise I would still be using it today.
The only reason I haven’t brought a new MacBook is because of the issues with the keyboard, I was ready to press the buy button on the new Air but then Apple issued that apology and I thought it must be bad if they are finally admitting to it.
yes it should work fine its how I do it, log in using safari and then it brings up the app and the mouse works fine.
My IPP is a great companion to my MacBook, but it can't replace it. For awhile I was able to achieve what I wanted with my iPad and iPhone combination, but I finally broke down last year and ordered a MacBook. Especially with my light photo editing, I'd much rather process images on my MacBook than my IPP. But I love both products.
None of your options were for me. Yes, I have moved to iOS only for work and personal use. I used to love macOS, but have since seen it become stagnant and buggier over time. I would never go back to a traditional PC at this point, but I would consider a clam shell iOS device.
I use my iPad as my main computer now. I love it. I respect a lot of people that complain about it with regards to their own work needing Mac applications and a trackpad. If you’re doing writing, then the iPad is excellent. Unlike many, I love the MacBook Pro keyboard and it sucks that it’s turning you off but I can understand why it’s the case. Typing on the iPad for me is even better than typing on the MBP. On the 12.9, I think the keys are perfectly spaced, they’re responsive and really satisfying to press.
My only real issue is the file manager. I have shared files between my Mac and my iPad but the iPad restricts what you can open. If you’re mostly going to be opening documents, photos and other formats that the iPad supports then you really won’t have a problem. If you need to open music you’ve created on a Mac, video files that don’t come from iTunes or desktop apps then you’ll run into trouble.
For me this device is 95% there. If Apple fixes the file manager and improves the window management (giving us the option to have multiple windows in all of the apps) then I will move over exclusively. Until then - there’s that 5% that I still need my Mac for.
My only real issue is the file manager. I have shared files between my Mac and my iPad but the iPad restricts what you can open. If you’re mostly going to be opening documents, photos and other formats that the iPad supports then you really won’t have a problem. If you need to open music you’ve created on a Mac, video files that don’t come from iTunes or desktop apps then you’ll run into trouble.
For me this device is 95% there. If Apple fixes the file manager and improves the window management (giving us the option to have multiple windows in all of the apps) then I will move over exclusively. Until then - there’s that 5% that I still need my Mac for.
Yea it does suck that the keyboard is putting me off. If it wasn't for the keyboard issues i would of brought a new Macbook Air, in fact i was planning on doing just that this weekend while i take time off work. I did like the look if the Air in the store and i don't even mind the low travel keys, they seem more accurate to type on, which for me would be great as a writer. It's the issues with the keyboard breaking that i have the problem with. The nearest Apple store is a 45-1 hour train journey away, i rely on a keyboard daily for writing.
I could get Apple Care+ and hope for the best, but if it breaks it means taking time to get it fixed. I really wish Apple had fixed the keyboard with the new Air
I think an iPad is a great platform for pure writing. However I don't know how any long term writing can happen on Apple's Smart Keyboard cases - those are fine for emails and texts, but are clearly inferior to a real keyboard for long-form writing. That's why I always use an external keyboard with my iPad when doing any writing of any real length. Sometimes I use an Apple Magic Bluetooth keyboard, but most of the time I plug in one of my high-quality mechanical keyboards into my iPad Pro. I'm sort of a keyboard nut, so maybe my standards are too high, ha. I'd also recommend getting the MacBook Air you were interested in. If the keyboard gives you probs at some point in the future, just plug in the external keyboard of your choice until the MacBook Air gets fixed. If you are a writer, surely you've found certain keyboards that provide you with the combination of accuracy and long-term comfort that suits you best.
Yes I did with my 2011 MacBook Pro keyboard, it was brilliant. My 2011 MacBook Pro died late last year tho, since then I have been using my iMac in the home office. I used the keyboard on the Surface Pro 6 that I brought and I just don’t like that keyboard.
The thing is I do like the keyboard on the new MacBooks, they are more accurate to type on. It’s the reliability that I don’t like. That’s not to say that I will have an issue with the keyboard it’s just taking the risk.
Yea it does suck that the keyboard is putting me off. If it wasn't for the keyboard issues i would of brought a new Macbook Air, in fact i was planning on doing just that this weekend while i take time off work. I did like the look if the Air in the store and i don't even mind the low travel keys, they seem more accurate to type on, which for me would be great as a writer. It's the issues with the keyboard breaking that i have the problem with. The nearest Apple store is a 45-1 hour train journey away, i rely on a keyboard daily for writing.
I could get Apple Care+ and hope for the best, but if it breaks it means taking time to get it fixed. I really wish Apple had fixed the keyboard with the new Air
Dave for what it’s worth, I know about 50 people with a MacBook Pro and even the gen 2 butterfly keys and not a single one has run into problems. I’m not saying the issues don’t exist bee Apple cops a lot more in the media than any other company particularly when the issue occurs for a journalist. There is a very low chance that anything would happen. I eat around mine, use it daily for long sessions with no issues. If I were you, I honestly would just take the plunge. And if anything happens to your keyboard Apple fixes it for free.
I’m all in with a iPad Pro 1TB unlocked in silver.
I’ve sold my beastly, overbuilt desktop PC.
I do not own a laptop, or any other computers.
I strictly use a iPad for everything. I need to invest in a keyboard, and a Apple pencil 2nd Gen. But it’s just out of the budget right now.
I’ve sold my beastly, overbuilt desktop PC.
I do not own a laptop, or any other computers.
I strictly use a iPad for everything. I need to invest in a keyboard, and a Apple pencil 2nd Gen. But it’s just out of the budget right now.
the lack of a file system is the big issue for me. I track and document everything and not being able to make folders easily makes it nothing more than an auxiliary device
I never understood this. I would agree that with a ton of files, it may get annoying, but I make folders for everything in Files the same way I did with Finder. It’s functionality, for me, is essentially the same.
This is interesting. A large part of my work involves writing. And, I mean writing 100-200 pages of documents with extensive footnotes etc. Sometimes, diagrams and other such stuff are embedded in the documents. I could not use an iPad for such work which is also why I always carry a Thinkpad X1C6 with me all the time (in addition to my IPP 10.5”, of course).
I would say that creating documents with extensive formatting such as footnotes, large tables, etc., would be way better with a laptop. I was thinking about creative writing specifically, where your job is to just keep pushing that curser to the right in a sea of text.
The iPad makes a nice companion device for me, used exclusively for consumption. I prefer the laptop or desktop for production activities, e.g. writing, photo processing, storage management, etc. I gave the iPad Pro a go alone on a longer trip recently and regretted leaving the laptop behind - I personally can work far more efficiently with a laptop, mouse, and full file management support. On an upcoming trip, the laptop will go.
I am very tempted at the moment to just pull the trigger and buy a new Macbook Air. I'm going shopping to Birmingham the weekend so i could easily pick one up, the Apple store is just around the corner from the Bullring.
I love my iPad Pro, it's a great device i use daily for a number of things, drawing, editing the odd photo, web browsing, watching Netflix and Youtube. BUT i also like owning a laptop, when i had my Macbook Pro 2011 it was a great machine that i loved (until it died). I used it daily and it served me VERY well, 3 years at university (college to those in the U.S
) as well as the the very first job i had after that. If the new Air could serve me just as well i would be a happy customer The good thing about buying the Air now i that there isn't likely to be a design change, where as the Pro is rumoured to be getting a new design with 16" screen, according to Ming Chi Kuo. I think the most that the Air will get this year is a spec bump.